InSITE STL
InSITE STL was a collection of site-specific, temporary public artworks in Downtown St. Louis funded by the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis. Developed by St. Louis-based artists, the works explored how we experienced and understood Downtown—from its physical character, views, and sightlines to our perceptions of what Downtown was and could become.
The initiative focused on site-specific, temporary works, and as a result, not all of the artworks remain on display today. Links below provide additional information about the participating artists and document the locations of the works.
InSITE STL Projects
Projection Series
A Hometown Folk Tale, and Other Stories was a collection of digital projections of animated imagery inspired by Downtown. The artwork was created through collaborations led by Portlock with various artist with ties to St. Louis. Each used the specific architecture of the site as a multi-story canvas and inspiration.
Ribbons of Light
Ribbons of Light engulfed the corner of the Park Pacific Apartments parking garage with LED tentacle-like lines of light intended to merge with the architectural details of the site and interrupt the rigid grid of the city. The artwork explored the dynamics of movement, balance and light using commonly found utilitarian materials.
Flora Field
Flora Field distilled the historic architectural ornament designs of renowned architects Adler and Sullivan and ancient building construction techniques through the lens of digital technologies to create a 3D-printed masonry screen wall. The site-specific sculpture, which was located in the courtyard of the landmark Wainwright Building, filled the site with patterns of light and shadow and optical effects based on the ornamental geometries of the traditional façade.
The Department Co.
The Department Co. explored new and alternative possibilities for commerce and community while referencing Downtown’s historical commercial center through three illustrative window murals. Murphy aimed to shed light on a future in which community members play an active role in defining and creating culture in St. Louis.
1. Jacob Stanley
Ribbons of Light
The Park Pacific garage
1211 Pine Street
2. Van Dyck Murphy Studio
Flora Field
The Wainwright Building Courtyard
715 Chestnut Street
3. Jenny Murphy
The Department Co.: The Garden Dept.
The Railway Exchange window
615 Olive Street
4. Jenny Murphy
The Department Co.: The Accessories Dept.
The Railway Exchange window
604 Locust Street
5. Jenny Murphy
The Department Co.: The Stationary Dept.
The Laurel Building window
613 N. 6th Street